West Point Military Academy

As a young student in history class, I always felt that I had a fortunate advantage over many of the other students. My parents had taken my sisters and me to many of the places we were now studying. Such sites as the White House (when you could just walk in past a greeter!), Washington-area monuments, the Gettysburg and Valley Forge Battlefields, and Plymouth Rock were favorites. The places and events in my textbooks sprang to life when it concerned a place I had actually been to! It gave me a respect for American history that continues to this day.

So when I had the opportunity to tour West Point, I jumped at the chance. Located in Orange County about 50 miles outside of New York City, West Point is situated on the west side of the Hudson River. In 1775, George Washington determined that it was a key strategic location for the Revolutionary Army’s war efforts.

Ever since that time, it has served as a military site. The actual academy was founded later. It is a four-year academic institution emphasizing character-based leadership and common defense of the country. The students are referred to as Cadets and are commissioned as officers in the U.S. Army upon their graduation. I urge any young person who might be interested in a military career to take a look at its website and view its requirements.

One of West Point’s most famous landmarks is its Cadet Chapel. Its interior is marked by a massive pipe organ, rows of stained glass windows, and precision-rows of red hymnals on pew backs. It is a sacred place, a witness to the Christian faith so integral to our country’s founding. The great sanctuary stained glass window is inscribed with West Point’s motto and reason for being: “Duty, Honor, Country”.

A trip to West Point fosters a sense of deep gratitude to the men and women who helped birth our country. Many of these did so at great personal sacrifice. You also gain renewed appreciation for those who have come through these ranks and the contributions they have made, and continue to make, to America and our way of life.